Foldable seat



May 16, 1950 T. 2. LEDBETTER FOLDABLE SEAT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 17, 1948 M N wm INVEN TOR. 7 Tra 0 Z L edbet ter' %%MWMM After/veg S y 1950v 'r z L'EDBETTER 2,507,639

FOLDABLE SEAT I Filed Aug. 17; was 2 sheets shget z INVENTOR. Tra c9 2'. Ledbetter- WM/Jm rm v Attorneys Patentecl May 16, 1959 Darren s r'rs r orries FOLDABLE SEAT Tracy 'Z. Ledbetter, Detroit, Mich, assigncr of one-third to Jesse C. Carr, Detroit, Mich.

Application August 17, 1948, Serial No. 44,692

(Cl. 155l33) 8 Claims. I My invention relates to foldable seats, and more particularly to such seats .as comprise a backrest section and a seat section together with means carried by said seat section for swively connecting the same to a horizontal support. Seats like that defined by the invention are widely used to provide backrest-providing seats for row boats, temporary bleachers and any other horizontally-disposed support lacking a backrest.

With .the foregoing in view, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved fold" able seat of the class described.

A further object is to provide an improved foldable seat of the class described which includes .means for detachably connecting the same to a horizontal support and a swivel means interposed between the connecting means and the seat portion of the seat.

A further object is to provide an improved foldable seat such as that last described which ineludes a backrest section and a seat section, each parts 'of the invention, combination and-arrangement of the several parts, and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference to the attached drawing in connection with the following specification, wherein the invention is shown, described and claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure l is an elevation of the seat according to the invention, the same being shown in the unfolded position;

Figure 2 is a front view thereof;

Figure 3 is a view like Figure 1, but showing the parts in the completely folded position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical section through a portion of the swivel for the seat;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the means for mounting the seat on a horizontal support apart from the rest of the structure;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective View on an enlarged scale showing one means for connecting adjacent sub-sections of the seat together;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary elevation like Figure l, but showing the parts in a preliminary folded position;

Figure 8 is a like view, but showing a further folded position of the parts;

Figure 9 is a similar view, but showing a further position of the parts prior to the final folding operation.

Referring specifically to the drawing, wherein like reference characters have-been used-throughout the several views to designate like parts, the

.seat according to the invention comprises a backrest-providing section H, a seat-providing section l2, a swivel I5, and means generally indicated by is for clamping the seat to a horizontal support.

The backrest-providing section 5 l and the seatprovidin section i2 comprise a, plurality of substantially identical sub-sections l5, l6, I1, is,

it and 2%, respectively, with the sub-sections i5,

i6 and .ll comprising the backrest-providing section and the sub-sections i8, is and 2G iprov'id ing the seat section i2. As clearly shown in'Figure 6, each sub-section comprises a hollow panel which is preferably formed of any suitable metallio material, but preferably one which combines lightness with strength. The adjacent sub-sec tions are slightly spaced apart when in the extended position, asat 2 t, Figure 6, topermit free relative pivotal movement to andfrom the folded position and the abutting corners of adjacent sub sections are rounded, as at 22, Figure '6. Adjacent sub-sections are connected together by links about to be described.

Each side edge of the adjacent sub-sections i5 and 16 are hingedly connected together by a plate-like link 2d which is pivoted at each end to the adjacent sub-sections by suitable headed pins 25. In this connection, although "the links difier .in the connection between certain of the sub-sections, all links are pivoted by headed pins 25 and all of the links are provided with limit stops 2!; which overlie adjacent rear surfaces of adjacent sub-sections to limitthe hinging movement in one direction, whereby to limit the unfolding movement of the sub-sections to proper angular relation with the adjacent sub-sections.

The ends of sections 19 and 29 of the seatsubsections i2 are likewise connected together by links 25 which are identical to the links connecting the sub-sections l5 and it together. However, these links are the only links in the assembly which are identical.

The intermediate backrest-providing sub-section I6 is hingedly connected to the inner subsection ll' by a pair of oppositely-disposed hinge plates 2'! by means of headed pins 25. However, the hinge pin for the lower section I! rides in a bayonet slot 29 formed in the plate 21, whereby to permit a sliding pivotal connection for a reason to be apparent later. The lower end of the backrest-providing sub-section H has a sliding and pivoting connection with a vertical leg 86 of an L-shaped bracket member 35 by virtue of a head pin 25 which rides in a bayonet slot 3| formed in the vertical leg of such bracket 30. The vertical leg 80 is hingedly connected to a horizontal leg 3| by any suitable hinge means 82. Each bracket leg 80 includes a diagonal lower end edge 83 which is adapted to abut a complementary diagonal end edge 84 of the horizontal leg 8|, whereby to provide a. limit stop when the bracket is in the seat-providing position, indicated in broken lines in Figure 1.

When the seat is being folded, the edges 83 and H 84 are normally spread apart so as to permit the sub-sections to be folded into a neat rectangular stack.

The horizontal leg 8i of the bracket 3!} is slidably and pivotally connected to the inner seatproviding sub-section l8 by means of a head pin 25 which also passes through a slot 33 in an elongated hinge link 32, the outer end of which is pivotally connected by a headed pin 25 to the intermediate seat-providing sub-section H3. The

purpose of this structure will be apparent later.

To fold the seat to the folded position, the end sub-sections I5 and 20 of the backrest-providing and seat-providing sections, respectively, are folded to the broken line positions, Figure 1. Reference is now had to Figures '7, 8 and 9. In the next step, Figure '7, the upper and intermediate sub-sections l5 and i6 are now folded inwardly atop the lowermost backrest-providing sub-section l1, the slot 29 in the link 21 permitting this movement from the broken line position to the full line position, Figure '7. Referring now to Figure 8, the three backrestproviding sub-sections are now swung forwardly atop the innermost seat-providing sub-section 13, which action is permitted by the slot 3| in the vertical leg of the bracket 30. In this connection, it is noted that the vertical leg is slightly longer than the folded thickness of the three sections, whereby to permit them being raised to the broken line point 45 before they are pivoted forwardly in a clockwise direction atop the subsection |8. Referring now to Figure 9, the subsections l5, It, H and |8 are now moved to the left to the limit permitted by the slot 33 in the link 32. Thereafter, the assembly is swung in a clockwise direction to the broken line position, Figure 9, at which point the assembled subsections are swung further in a clockwise direction relative to the link 32 in the direction of the arrow, which positions the sub-section |6 atop the previously folded seat-providing sub-section 20. The parts are now in the position illustrated in Figure 3, wherein the folded seat comprises a single stack of sub-sections atop the intermediate seat-providing sub-section l9.

Referring now to Figure 4 in connection with Figures 1, 2 and 3, the swivel I3 comprises a pair of fixed bearing races 34 and 35 and a bearing cage 36. Each race 34 and 35 comprises an annular member of channeled configuration with the free end edges 38 of the legs of the channels inwardly directed to provide keepers for outwardly-directed flanges 6| of the cage 36. The upper race 34 is rigidly secured to the under surface of the intermediate seat-providing subsection |9 by any suitable fastening means, such as the rivets 31. Likewise, the seat-providing sub-section I9 is formed with a hole 39 therethrough which registers with a like hole 40 in the web of the channel 34, whereby to provide a convenient means for supplying oil to the bearings. In this connection, it should be noted that the webs of each of the bearings are inwardly directed to provide channels of humped configuration in cross-section, which are complementary to the grooved peripheries of the anti-friction bearings 42 which are pivotally mounted in the side members defining cage 36. Outwardly of the humped portion 4| of the lower cage 35, channels are provided to receive a body 43 of any suitable lubricant for lubricating the bearings. The web of the lower bearing race 35 is rigidly secured by any suitable means, indicated as the rivets 44 and 44 to a plate 45 comprising the main element of the mounting clamp I4.

The mounting clamp l4, as aforesaid, comprises a plate-like element 45 having means 46 at one edge thereof formed to provide rigid clamps, which clamps include depending webs 41 and inwardly-turned clamp fingers 48, as best seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Adjustable clamps 5| are adjustably secured on the upper surface of the plate 45. The adjustable clamps 5| are two in number and are preferably of arcuate configuration with the arcs lying in intersecting horizontal disposition. Each clamp 5| is formed with a longitudinally-extending arcuate groove 50 which receive bolts 62 fixed to the upper surface of the plate 45. Wing nuts 49 are threaded on the bolt 62 to clampingly secure the adjustable clamps 5| in adjusted positions. One end of each clamp 5| is formed to provide a depending web 52 and an inwardly-directed clamp finger 53, as best seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3. As indicated in Figure 1, at 63, clamps for the seat are adapted to overlie opposite edges of the boat seat 63, whereby to clampingly secure the seat atop the horizontal support. In like manner, the swivel l3 provides free pivotal movement in a horizontal plane for the occupant of the seat.

As is readily seen in Figure 3, when the parts are folded together, they occupy relatively little space and all of the folded sub-sections are atop the swivel I3 and the clamp plate 45. Thus, the folded seat occupies very little space and may be conveniently carried anywhere in an automobile or like means of transportation to and from the place of use. Likewise, by forming the seat of light weight metallic sheets, the weight of the seat is reduced, whereby to enable it to be readily carried by anyone.

While I have shown and described what is now though to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of other forms and expressions. Consequently, I do not limit myself to the precise structure shown and described hereinabove except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support, comprising a seat section and a backrest section, each section comprising at least two sub-sections, means pivotally connecting each of said sub-sections to an adjacent sub-section for folding movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of subsections atop a sub-section of said seat section, said last-named sub-section including an under surface, swivel means depending from said under surface, and a support engaging means depending from said swivel means whereby to swivel said seat section to said support.

2. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support, comprising a seat section and a backrest section, each section comprising at least two sub-sections, means pivotally connecting each of said sub-sections to an adjacent sub-section for folding movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of 1 sub-sections atop a sub-section of said seat section, said last-named sub-section including an under surface, swivel means depending from said under surface, at least a pair of opposed clamp members depending from said swivel means, and said clamp members being relatively adjustable toward and away from each other to clamp a horizontal support therebetween.

3. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support, comprising a seat section and a. backrest section, each section comprising at least two sub-sections, means pivotally connecting each of said sub-sections to an adjacent sub-section for folding movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of sub-sections atop a sub-section of said seat section, said last-named sub-section including an under surface, swivel means depending from said under surface, a support-engaging means depending from said swivel means whereby to swivel said sea-t section to said support, said swivel means comprising a pair of opposed bearing races, one of said races being fixed to said last-named sub-section, the other race being fixed to said support-engaging means, and a bearing cage including anti-friction bearings interposed between said races and. swivelly connected thereto.

4. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support, comprising a seat section and a backrest section, each section comprising at least two sub-sections, means pivotally connecting each of said sub-sections to an adjacent sub-section for folding movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of sub-sections atop a sub-section of said seat sec- 4 tion, said last-named sub-section including an under surface, swivel means depending from said under surface, a support-engaging means depending from said swivel means whereby to swivel said seat section to said support, said swivel means comprising a pair of opposed bearing races, one of said races being fixed to said lastnamed sub-section, the other race being fixed to said support-engaging means, said last-named race being formed to provide a lubricant reservoir, and a bearing cage including anti-friction bearings interposed between said races and swivell connected thereto.

5. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support comprising a bracket, a seat section disposed adjacent one end of said bracket and mounted therein for horizontal sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, and a back section disposed adjacent the other end of said bracket and mounted therein for vertical sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, each of said sections comprising at least two sub-sections pivotally connected together for movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of sub-sections.

6. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal supporting surface comprising a bracket, a seat section disposed adjacent one end of said bracket and mounted therein for horizontal sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, and a back section disposed adjacent the other end of said bracket and mounted therein for vertical sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, said back section comprising three sub-sections arranged in end to end confronting relation with respect to each other, means pivotally connecting the confronting ends of the outermost back providing sub-section and the intermediate back providing sub-section, bracket means slidably and pivotally connecting the confronting ends of said intermediate back providing sub-section and said innermost back providing sub-section, and said seat section comprising three sub-sections arranged in end to end confronting relation with respect to each other, means pivotally connecting the confronting ends of the outermost seat providing sub-section and the intermediate seat providing sub-section, bracket means slidably and pivotally connecting the confronting ends of said intermediate seat providing sub-section and said innermost seat providing sub-section, said sub-sections being movable to a folded formation comprising a single stack of back and seat providing sub-sections resting upon said intermediate sub-section of said seat section.

7. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably m unted on a horizontal support comprising a bracket, a seat section disposed adjacent one end of said bracket and mounted therein for horizontal sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, a back section disposed adjacent the other end of said bracket and mounted therein for vertical sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, swivel means disposed adjacent the under surface of said seat section and dependingly supported therefrom, and support engaging means operatively connected to said swivel means and engageable with said horizontal support whereby to swivel said seat section to said horizontal support.

8. A foldable seat adapted to be detachably mounted on a horizontal support comprising a bracket, a seat section disposed adjacent one end of said bracket and mounted therein for horizontal sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, a back section disposed adjacent the other end of said bracket and mounted therein for vertical sliding movement and rotational movement about a horizontal axis, each of said sections comprising at least two subsections pivotally connected together for movement to a folded formation comprising a single stack of sub-sections, swivel means disposed adjacent the under surface of said seat section and dependingly supported therefrom, and support engaging means operatively connected to said swivel means and engageable with said horizontal support whereby to swivel said seat section to said horizontal support.

TRACY Z. IEDBETTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,161,420 Snelling Nov. 23, 1915 2,103,553 Reynolds Dec. 28, 1937 2,465,026 Martz Mar. 22, 1949 

